This easy Cranberry Orange Sauce is a bright topping made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a splash of orange liqueur. It’s the perfect way to add a burst of tart, citrusy flavor to so many dishes.
Spoon it over vanilla bean ice cream, or serve it with turkey for a perfect holiday side.
Recipe Highlights: Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Flavor: Sweet, yet tart with warm cinnamon for a balanced sauce that is never boring.
- Skill Level: With simple ingredients and a quick stovetop cook time makes this an easy, beginner-friendly recipe.
- Make Ahead: I love this sauce because it can be made days before a holiday meal. Chilling gives the sauce time to set, and allow the flavors to blend.
- Serving: Delicious with other sides like roast turkey or chicken, pork, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry meatballs, or on a holiday cheese board.
Total Time: 22 Mins Servings: 8 Cooking Method: Stovetop
Ingredient Notes
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best taste.
- Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen cranberries, but not canned.
- Sugar: Essential for adding sweetness to the tart cranberries, as well as help thicken the sauce.
- Cinnamon Stick: Infuses the sauce with warm spice. Be sure to remove before serving.
- Orange Zest: While optional, is highly recommended because it intensifies the orange flavor without adding liquid.
- Orange Liquor: Also optional. Grand Marnier or Cointreau are great options which enhance the orange flavor.
Variations
- You can replace fresh orange juice with unsweetened orange juice from a carton.
- For a more mild citrus flavor, replace part of the orange juice with water. For extra orange flavor and aroma add more zest after cooking.
- Add a small pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice for even more warmth.
- Use more or less sugar depending on your preference.
- Leave more cranberries intact for a chunky texture. You can press cranberries against the side of the saucepan with a wooden spoon as they cook for a smoother consistency.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Bring orange juice and sugar to a boil (full recipe below).
- Add the cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon to the pan until it comes to a boil again.
- During the last minute, add the liqueur and stir. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Storing Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Spoon leftover cranberry sauce onto turkey sandwiches, toast, pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, or use it as the berry component in baked brie with berries.
- This orange cranberry sauce freezes well and will keep its flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir before serving.
Complete Your Holiday Side Dish Lineup
Did you make this Cranberry Orange Sauce? Leave a comment and rating below.
Cranberry Orange Sauce
It's quick and simple to make this tart and sweet homemade cranberry orange sauce. It's perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed preferred
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 12 ounces cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1 teaspoon orange zest zest of one orange, optional
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 ounce orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau, optional
Instructions
- Add orange juice and sugar to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil on medium heat.
- Add cranberries, orange zest if using, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil again. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer smaller pieces of cranberry, break up with the wooden spoon as you stir. Add orange liqueur if using, during the last minute of cooking, and stir.
- Remove from heat. Remove cinnamon stick if desired. Cool completely to thicken, then refrigerate.
Notes
- Makes about 2 cups.
- Will last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 82 | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
©Our Zesty Life. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
PIN this Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe
